Great question! Lots of people here should be able to give you some really good advice.

Here's a brief intro: CBD is from cannabis but is the non-pyschoactive component so there's no "high" from taking it. CBD is responsible for many of the healing properties of cannabis - for example, it's highly anti-inflammatory, and inflammation is a root cause of most auto-immune illnesses. THC can really help with anxiety, depression, and other emotional ailments. It also helps me sleep like a baby and get the restorative sleep I otherwise can't get, so I add in some THC at night, but just take straight CBD in the morning so I can fully function all day.

Access depends on where you live and what the laws are. I'm in CA, and it's legal now not only for medicinal use but also for recreational users. We have a fairly robust (and growing!) network of dispensaries where you can get it. I have a medicinal card that I did get through a DR, but you don't need that anymore in CA. Ask your DR at your appt next week. Keep in mind that many western medicine DRs don't know much about it and don't typically prescribe it (I have heard of this happening but none of my DRs have ever done that - I had to go to a special DR to get my medicinal card). If you can find a good dispensary, ask for a 1:1 consultation. They'll be able to give you an overview of products that could help you and give you some good choices to start with. It does take some experimentation to learn what works best for you and at what dosage. I started really (!) small (5mg) and worked my way up, but I know other people who started right away at 30-50mg daily. I prefer edibles, tinctures, and capsules. Favorite brands: KIND, Kiva, Bhang, Care By Design.

I will say that it takes a good week or so to really notice a difference. But since I started my consistent regimen of about 30mg CBD and 15-20mg THC daily, I have felt a LOT better. I'm more resilient, wake up every morning well rested with very little or no pain (can't say enough how this has changed my quality of life! MS pain works its way in every day, but knowing I'll get that relief at night is priceless to me). I also can even visibly notice the anti-inflammatory agents at work (ex. an old soccer injury of my ankle that used to regularly swell - no more!).

I'm here if you have any more questions I can help with! Good luck to you and I hope you experience the same results I have if you end up trying it! XX

I love my cbd balm. Helps with all my aches.

no you do not need a prescription I have used it it does help with pain I use charlottes web brand i get it on the internet.

I live in Illinois and don't know how that works here and i don't know if Medicare &Medicaid will pay for this. Anyone know?

Great info, thanks so much. I live in New York and my Dr is in Ct. Not sure how that works.